I take Allopurinol every day, doctor says I shouldn't.

[giddyup]

I have been taking Allopurinol every day to keep my gout at bay, but when I went to the clinic this morning for a bloodtest and checkup, the doctor says I shouldn't, but only take it if I get a gout attack. He seemed to suggest that Allopurinol taken regularly was dangerous. I know all medicine has some side effect, but should I listen to his advice? I worry because when I get a gout attack it's painful beyond belief and can have me hobbling around for several days.

[lopburi3]

Unless there are other reasons (suspect liver damage could be one) medication is taken daily - I have been taking for the last 25 years and have not had another gout attack since doing. But blood testing should be done on a regular basis to be sure it is not causing problems and is keeping uric acid levels normal

It is never taken during a gout attack AFAIK and that is clearly stated in all material that I have ever read on the medication. Clinics may not be the best choice for general medical care.

[giddyup]

Unless there are other reasons (suspect liver damage could be one) medication is taken daily - I have been taking for the last 25 years and have not had another gout attack since doing. But blood testing should be done on a regular basis to be sure it is not causing problems and is keeping uric acid levels normal

It is never taken during a gout attack AFAIK and that is clearly stated in all material that I have ever read on the medication. Clinics may not be the best choice for general medical care.

I thought as much. I have seen others on this forum who take Allopurinol on a regular basis without any problems, so I have no idea why the clinic doctor tried to warn me off. I had a couple of bad attacks before I started using it and I don't want to go through that again.

[oncearugge]

As said Allopurinol is not used to treat acute gout attacks.

Some useful information in the link.

http://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-info/gout/gout-treatment/

It is important that you undergo regular "testing" of renal and liver function as well as a full blood count.

Rather than a "clinic" you may wish to consult a Rheumatologist at a hospital for expert advice and guidance.

Consulting a specialist on an outpatient basis will not be expensive.

[Sheryl]

Yes, ignore what he said about that (and anything else he said, from the sounds of it).

As long as your liver enzymes (ALT, AST) are normal no problem with taking daily. And if they are not, it is still not the solution to take it during a gout attack, allopurinol does not work that way.

[giddyup]

Yes, ignore what he said about that (and anything else he said, from the sounds of it).

As long as your liver enzymes (ALT, AST) are normal no problem with taking daily. And if they are not, it is still not the solution to take it during a gout attack, allopurinol does not work that way.

According to the bloodtests liver function is good.

[patekatek]

I'm also on the daily dose of allopurinol. I agree with all the feedback about remaining on the meds. Please note that if you do go off the pill for some time and then go back on it, you may get a gout attack because the body tries to increase the uric acid level that the pill is lowering.

[chubby]

prophalaxis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gout#Treatment